Swimming training system and methods of use

ABSTRACT

A swimming training system is described herein that includes a vertical pillar connected to a horizontal sliding grooved bar with flexible rope or tether member to be tied to a swimmer&#39;s belt to provide float support while in the swimming crawl position. In a related embodiment, the training system is configured for portability and yet in another example embodiment the training system is configured to be permanently affixed to a large commercial swimming pool such as used in a fitness club. Not only can this system be used widely for beginners to learn how to swim but it can also be used by experienced swimmers who are seeking to improve their swimming technique or are using same to as a resistance training aid.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a swimming teaching aid and system that provides an elevated conveyor system to support a swimmer but allow free range of motion for a variety of swimming strokes.

In many common production lines and other assembly applications, workpieces are transported along an overhead rail, for instance a monorail. Motor-driven trolleys travel along the rail to and between various workstations. Electrical conductors can be provided along the rail to provide power. The carriages carry workpieces along the path defined by the rail for delivering the workpieces to the various workstations. However, there is no frame structure designed to support a swimmer in a pool.

Currently there are a number of solutions for teaching people how to swim. The most common way to teach people how to swim is to either use flotation devices or having someone hold the person up in the water. Some of these solutions attempt to make beginner swimmers feel more comfortable in the water, but these solutions are inconvenient and fail to meet the needs of the industry because small children and first time swimmers still need to have a person close by in the event something happens. Other solutions attempt to teach people to swim, such as holding a Sheppard's hook near the swimmer, but these solutions are similarly unable to meet the needs of the industry because they require one-on-one supervision, are typically uncomfortable and restrict the motion of a swimmer.

It would be desirable to have a system and device that allows beginning swimmers to feel safe even without one-on-one supervision. Additionally, it would be desirable to have a swimming training device that provides beginner swimmers to learn to swim away from the pool walls. Furthermore, it would be desirable to have a system that advanced swimmers can use for resistance training and to provide them the flexibility of practicing, training and/or exercising using all kinds of swimming technique and styles such as front crawl, backstroke, butterfly, and sidestroke.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention advantageously fills the aforementioned deficiencies by providing a swimming training system and device that includes a support frame which helps to promote safety and provides peace of mind to new swimmers. Since the swimming is recommended by exercise experts to enhance individual health, this invention will help those people who desire to learn how to swim while helping to lower some of the risk. One of the advantages of the swim training system described herein is that it will hold the user right at the surface level of the water, yet enable them to move up and down a designated lane in a pool to practice swimming.

In one example embodiment, a swimming training system includes vertical poles connected to a track which allows for a bracket assembly, attached to a flexible rope or tether (hereinafter a cable) to be tied to a swimmer's belt or harness to provide float support while in the swimming crawl position. In a related embodiment, the training system is configured for portability and yet in another example embodiment the training system is configured to be permanently or semi-permanently affixed to a large commercial swimming pool such as used in a fitness club. Not only can this system be used widely for beginners to learn how to swim but it can also be used by experienced swimmers who are seeking to improve their swimming technique or are using it as a resistance training aid.

Several advantages of the swimming trainer system and device described herein includes enabling gyms, schools and other places that have swimming lesson, reduce their payroll and liability insurance expenses because they can have a higher student to teacher ratio while increasing safety; allows for resistance training without the cost of expensive air pumping systems typically used by resistance trainers; and assists beginners to feel more at ease in the water

The invention described herein could also be used to advance aquatic sports. In one example a new sport is contemplated that provides different weights or different resistance connected to the swimmer harness. In another related embodiment the swimming training device includes a monitor (electronic and/or manual; wireless and/or wired) that will display various forces or measures from each individual swimmer.

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a multiple track swimming training system.

FIG. 2 shows an perspective view of a one-track swimming training system.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bracket assembly configured for a track of the swimming training system.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of a pillar with the bracket assembly and carabineer.

FIG. 5 illustrates an perspective view of the bracket assembly that attaches to the track.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the swimming training system.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the swimming training system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one example embodiment, there is disclosed a swimming training system 10 configured for use with a pool that includes a steel (or other metal such as aluminum or plastic) pillar or pole fixed on the ground. Referring now to FIGS. 1-2 which illustrate a perspective view of two embodiments disclosed herein. The swimming training system 10 generally includes a support frame 15 and a bracket assembly 20. Bracket assembly 20 further comprises a roller 25 and a brace portion 30. The swimming training system 10 is configurable to be erected adjacent a swimming pool to allow for a person to improve their swimming mechanics.

Referring now to FIG. 1, where support frame 15 structure is illustrated with a plurality of tracks 35, poles 40 and pillars 45. In at least this example embodiment support frame 15 is configured to be positioned over a swimming pool. Although one of ordinary skill in the art would readily understand the variety of means to secure support frame 15 to a position adjacent a swimming pool, a removable securement means is preferred. Still referring to FIG. 1, pillar 45 has a terminal end 46 which is connected to support plate 50. As illustrated, support plate 50 is coupled to terminal end 46 by known means, such as welding or mechanical fastening. Support plate 50 may further include apertures to allow securement means such as bolts (not shown) to removeably couple support frame to surfaces in and around the swimming pool. It should be appreciated that track 35 is positioned in manner that will allow continuity with swimming lanes, if such configuration is desired.

Referring now to FIG. 2 which illustrates support frame 15 with a single track 35 affixed to a plurality of poles 40 and pillars 45. As described above, pillars 45 have a terminal end 46 which is connected to support plate 50. Support plate 50 may further include apertures to allow securement means to removeably couple support frame 15 to surfaces in and around the swimming pool.

Support frame 15 may be any number of shapes and configurations suitable for supporting the load of a swimmer or swimmers when in use. The support frame 15 materials are conventional and well known to those skilled in the art. The support frame 15 generally includes at least one track 35 and a plurality of poles 40 which are used to form the support matrix to attach track 35.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, which depict track 35 that is substantially perpendicular to poles 40. As best shown in FIG. 3, track 35 can be arranged through appropriate configuration of at least one sidewall 60 and a support platform 65. Support platform 65 may further comprise flange 55 defining a channel or slot therebetween. In the preferred embodiment, sidewall(s) 60 can be part of a channel to support bracket assembly 20 along a substantial portion of the longitudinal length track 35. In one example embodiment a side elevation view would illustrate a U-shaped channel defining a path of travel for the swimmer training system 10. Support platform 65 can be any desired cross-sectional configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the support platform 65 includes a surface engaged with an exterior surface of each roller 25. Preferably, the support platform 65 is in the form of an elongate member extending along a substantial portion of the longitudinal length of the corresponding track 35.

The addition of the flange 55 in combination with the support platform 65 and the generally complementary surface on the exterior of the roller 25 provides a self righting function to bracket assembly 20 as it moves along the long-axis of track 35. In other words, any side to side motion caused by a swimmer attached to swimming training system 10 that deviates from a generally parallel orientation with track 35 will not cause track 35 to become dislodged from support frame 15.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5 bracket assembly 20 generally comprises a plurality of rollers 25 that are rotatably mounted to a brace portion 30. As best shown in FIG. 5, rollers 25 may pass through an aperture 84 adjacent a terminal end 46 of brace portion 30. Rollers 25 in fixed locations spaced along the path of travel. Referring specifically to FIG. 3-5, bracket assembly 20 is shown with rollers 25 and a brace portion 30. Brace portion 30 is configured to provide structural support between rollers 25. Brace portion 30 may optionally include an additional attachment appendage 80 to allow for easily attaching additional securement means to bracket assembly 20. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, appendage 80 allows for a carabineer 83 to be readily attached before a swimmer begins training In order to further describe the purpose of the bracket assembly 20, an elongate cable (not shown) is attached at one terminal end 46 to attachment appendage 80 or carabineer 83. At the other opposed end, the cable is coupled to a harness, further described below, to allow for a swimmer to be secured to swimming training system 10.

Referring now to FIG. 6, which illustrates an alternative embodiment of swimming training system 10. In at least this example embodiment, swimming training system 10 generally includes a base 85 and a boom 90. Base 85 is constructed in a manner that includes a generally planar bottom surface to be placed adjacent a pool. Base 85 may further comprises a non-skid surface (not shown) to prevent swimming training system 10 from being easily moved along a surface when in use. Similar to the description above, base 85 may also include support plates or apertures to allow for removeably securing base 85 to the surface adjacent a pool.

A boom 90 generally includes a proximal end 100 and a distal end 105. Boom 90 is positioned in a manner to extend outwardly and upwardly from base 85 when in use. Proximal end 100 is coupled to base 85 which may further comprise a hinge 95 affixed to the bottom of the boom 90 which will facilitate adjusting the height of proximal end 100 and the angle at which boom 90 is positioned. The distal end 105 includes a cable roller 110 which helps to conveniently store cable 75 when not in use. Cable 75 is attached to swimming training system 10 on one terminal end 115 and the opposed terminal end 120 is attached to a harness 70.

Referring now to FIG. 7, which depicts another exemplary embodiment of swimming training system 10 that generally includes a pair of pillars 45 that are positioned on the opposing longitudinal ends of a cable roller 110 which helps to conveniently store cable 75 when not in use. Similar to aforementioned embodiments, cable 75 is attached to swimming training system 10 on one terminal end 115 and the opposed terminal end 120 is attached to a harness 70. This example embodiment may further include pillars 45 connected to support plate 50. Support plate 50 may further include apertures to allow securement means to removeably couple support plate 50 to surfaces in and around the swimming pool.

Cable 75 generally provides elastic resistance to the user and can be comprised of several materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a list of non-limiting materials includes rubber, plastics and nylon materials. Cable 75 will typically be comprised of a single unitary body. One terminal portion of cable 75 is connected to harness 70 where the opposing terminal end 46 is coupled to swimming training system 10.

Harness 70 is attached to a terminal portion of cable 75 through known means. The attachment means may include an adjustment feature to allow for quick adjustment before a swimmer enters the pool when the distance between harness 70 and bracket assembly 20 is to remain substantially constant (i.e. FIGS. 1 and 2). Conversely, the terminal end 46 of cable 75 may be coupled to harness 70 without an adjustment means, when the distance between cable roller 110 and harness 70 will vary when a swimmer is training (i.e. FIGS. 6 and 7). It should be appreciated that having a means to adjust harness 70 width will allow for a system that is adapted to be used for a variety of sized of midlines of the user. To state another way, harness 70 is structured in manner to fit the user, in most instances, regardless of the person's physical build. The adjustment could include any number of fastening mechanisms, such as hook and loop fasteners or a buckle. In a preferred embodiment, the use of a fastening mechanism will be substantially water resistant to avoid rust or deterioration over extended time and use.

Harness 70 is generally a semi-stretchable belt of suitable width and preferably-made of canvas, neoprene or another material that will securely fix around the midline of a swimmer. Harness 70 may optionally include suspenders (not shown) to prevent harness 70 from slipping when swimming training system 10 is in use. Harness 70 may also include a floatation material to allow added buoyancy to a user.

When in use, at least the example embodiments in FIGS. 6 and 7 provide a means of releasing cable 75 to allow a swimmer to move without incurring any additional pull except for the frictional relationship of the cable 75 being pulled from cable roller 110. However, swimming training system 10 may also include a resistance means to increase and decrease resistance on the cable 75 to provide the swimmer with increased force while swimming.

Alternatively, the cable roller 110 may also include a retraction means to provide an opposing force while swimmer is training This type of retraction means may also be utilized to retract cable 75 back on cable roller 110 to help facilitate preparing the swimming train system 10 for storage. Although not wanting to be bound by any particular theory, the retraction means could be initiated by pushing a button or lever, similar to mechanisms on a variety of vacuum cleaners. Alternatively, cord could be manually retracted with a crank-style mechanism.

When in use swimming training system 10 may be used for a number of swimming applications. In one example use, swimming training system 10 may be used to facilitate a swimming class to help beginners and intermediate swimmers gain confidence in swimming away from the wall, as is classically done in introductory swimming classes.

Additionally, swimming training system 10 also allows for an instructor to reduce liability of an inadvertent drowning when students are attached to swimming training system 10. In another example method of use swimming training system 10 may be used to help train swimmers by increasing resistance on a cable attached to a swimmer thereby increasing the amount of force a swimmer must use to achieve a goal (i.e. time. distance, etc.).

Comparing FIGS. 1 and 2, the various embodiments illustrated may be more useful depending on the type of swimming area used in combination with swimming training system 10. For example, FIG. 1 describes an embodiment which is configured to cover a substantial portion of a large or commercial sixed swimming pool. However, this embodiment could also be configured in a manner to facilitate swimmers in a residential swimming pool.

Alternatively, FIG. 2, illustrating a one-track swimming training system 10 is configurable for use in a personal or small pool. Additionally, this embodiment may be used to allow for large commercial pools to only occupy a single lane to allow for other swimmers, not using swimming training system 10 to utilize the facilities.

While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings. 

1. A swimming training system comprising: a support frame; a bracket assembly; a cable and a harness configured to secure around the waist of a swimmer, wherein said support frame comprises at least one track, a plurality of poles and a plurality of pillars and wherein said track is configured to receive said bracket assembly and allow said bracket assembly to move along the long axis of said track.
 2. The swimming training system of claim 1 wherein said bracket assembly further comprises a brace portion.
 3. The swimming training system of claim 1 wherein said bracket assembly further comprises at least one wheel.
 4. The swimming training system of claim 1 wherein said bracket assembly further comprises at least two wheels.
 5. The swimming training system of claim 1 wherein said bracket assembly further comprises an attachment appendage.
 6. The swimming training system of claim 5 wherein said bracket assembly is coupled to a carabineer.
 7. The swimming training system of claim 1 wherein said at least one track further comprises at least one sidewall.
 8. The swimming training system of claim 1 wherein said at least one track further comprises a support platform.
 9. The swimming training system of claim 8 wherein said at least one track further comprises a flange.
 10. The swimming training system of claim 1 wherein said harness comprises a flotation material.
 11. The swimming training system of claim 1 wherein said harness further comprises suspenders.
 12. The swimming training system of claim 1 wherein said harness comprises an adjustment means wherein said adjustment means allows an instructor to adjust the length of the cable between the harness and the swimmer training system.
 13. A swimming training system comprising: a support frame; a cable roller; a cable and a harness configured to secure around the waist of a swimmer, wherein said support frame comprises a plurality of pillars, at least one of said plurality of pillars being positioned on each terminal end of said cable roller and wherein a terminal portion of said cable is attached to said harness and wherein said opposing terminal end of said cable is coupled to said cable roller.
 14. The swimming training system of claim 13 further comprising a support platform.
 15. The swimming training system of claim 13 further comprising a cable resistance means wherein said resistance means is capable of increasing or decreasing the resistance of said cable being pulled from said cable roller.
 16. The swimming training system of claim 13 further comprising a cable retraction means wherein said retraction means provides a mechanism to pull released cable back to said cable roller.
 17. The swimming training system of claim 13 wherein said harness comprises a flotation material.
 18. The swimming training system of claim 13 wherein said harness further comprises suspenders.
 19. A swimming training system comprising: a base; a boom having a proximal end and a distal end; a cable roller; a cable and a harness configured to secure around the waist of a swimmer, wherein said proximal end of said boom is integrally related to said base and said distal end of said boom is mechanically related to said cable roller and wherein a terminal portion of said cable is attached to said harness and wherein said opposing terminal end of said cable is coupled to said cable roller.
 20. The swimming training system of claim 19 further comprising a hinge wherein said hinge positioned adjacent said base and said proximal end of said boom.
 21. The swimming training system of claim 19 further comprising a cable resistance means wherein said resistance means is capable of increasing or decreasing the resistance of said cable being pulled from said cable roller.
 22. The method of training a swimmer comprising the steps of Securing a swimmer to the harness of the swimming training system of claim 1; Adjusting the cable to a distance substantially similar to the distance between said bracket assembly and said harness and Positioning a swimmer being trained in a pool to swim along a path substantially similar to the longitudinal axis of said track.
 23. The method of training a swimmer comprising the steps of attaching the cable to the harness of the swimming training system of claim 13; securing a swimmer to said harness; positioning a swimmer being trained in a pool to swim along a path to increase the distance between said swimming training system and the swimmer.
 24. The swimming training system of claim 23 further comprising the step of increasing the resistance of the cable being removed from said cable roller.
 25. The method of training a swimmer comprising the steps of attaching the cable to the harness of the swimming training system of claim 19; securing a swimmer to said harness; positioning a swimmer being trained in a pool to swim along a path to increase the distance between said swimming training system and the swimmer.
 26. The swimming training system of claim 25 further comprising the step of increasing the resistance of the cable being removed from said cable roller. 